Russian President Vladimir Putin may have 'a form of autism'

The Russian president was diagnosed in 2008 with Asperger's syndrome by Pentagon-commissioned researchers, according to USA Today. The experts claim his condition is the result of his neurological development being disrupted at a young age.

"Project neurologists confirm this research project's earlier hypothesis that very early in life perhaps, even in utero, Putin suffered a huge hemispheric event to the left temporal lobe of the prefrontal cortex, which involves both central and peripheral nervous systems, gross motor functioning on his right side (head, rib cage, arm and leg) and his micro facial expression, eye gaze, hearing and voice and general affect," said the report.

The surprising prognosis was made without the benefit of a brain scan, normally a prerequisite for such a find, but was explained through analysis of Putin's often questionable judgement, which has been under intense scrutiny since his country's 2014 invasion of Crimea and backing of Ukraine separatists.

Putin also infamously appeared to make a pass at the wife of Chinese President Xi Jingping's wife during an economic summit in Asia.

Asperger's syndrome is "an autistic disorder which affects all of his decisions," concluded the 2008 study, which has been reviewed by AOL News.

The Russian strongman's "neurological development was significantly interrupted in infancy," according to lead researcher Brenda Connors, an expert in movement pattern analysis at the U.S. Naval War College.

USA Today uncovered the bizarre study under a Freedom of Information Act filing and posted a copy of it to Scribd. It is embedded below.

The research team also concluded that U.S. officials would be well-advised to avoid loud or crowded venues in dealing with the Russian leader.

"If you need to do things with him, you don't want to be in a big state affair but more of one-on-one situation someplace somewhere quiet," concluded Dr, Stephen Porges, a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina who is quoted in the study.

Porges, in comments to USA Today, appeared to distance himself from at least part of his earlier findings, saying he "would back off saying [Putin] has Asperger's."

But the 2008 study, and a 2011 follow-up report claim Putin's physical difficulties and poor decision making stem from a form of Autism.

"His primary form of compensation is extreme control, [which] is reflected in his decision style and how he governs," said the report.

U.S. officials' scrutiny over Putin's gestures apparently dates back to his 2000 inauguration as President of Russia, USA Today reported.

The researchers also advised officials to provide "the information-craving" Putin with "meaty policy research and white papers," according to the 2011 report.

This allows him to withdraw into his thoughts away from the spotlight and come to more logical conclusions meant for public consumption.